Virgin River has captured the hearts of viewers worldwide with its picturesque small-town charm and captivating storylines. While the show is set in the fictional town of Virgin River, California, the stunning landscapes and cozy locations that bring the series to life are very real. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll take you on a journey through the actual filming locations in beautiful British Columbia, Canada.
Introduction
Virgin River, the popular Netflix series based on Robyn Carr’s novels, tells the story of Mel Monroe, a nurse practitioner who moves to the remote town of Virgin River for a fresh start. While the show is set in Northern California, the breathtaking scenery and charming small-town atmosphere are actually found in British Columbia, Canada. This choice of location provides the perfect backdrop for the series, offering viewers a feast for the eyes with its lush forests, majestic mountains, and quaint small-town settings.
1. Vancouver and Surrounding Areas
Vancouver serves as the main hub for Virgin River’s production, with many key locations found in and around this vibrant city.
Jack’s Bar (Watershed Grill in Brackendale)
One of the most iconic locations in Virgin River is Jack’s Bar, the heart of the community where locals gather and many pivotal scenes take place. In reality, the exterior of Jack’s Bar is filmed at the Watershed Grill, located on Government Road in Brackendale, about an hour’s drive north of Vancouver. The Watershed Grill offers a picturesque setting with its riverside location, making it the perfect stand-in for Jack’s Bar. Fans can visit this location to enjoy a meal or drink while imagining themselves as part of the Virgin River community. However, it’s worth noting that the interior scenes of Jack’s Bar are filmed on a soundstage.
Mel’s Cabin (Murdo Frazer Park in North Vancouver)
Mel’s cozy cabin, which becomes her home in Virgin River, is another fan-favorite location. This charming structure is actually a real cabin located in Murdo Frazer Park, North Vancouver. The cabin serves as the residence for the park’s caretaker, adding an authentic touch to the show’s setting.While the exterior shots are filmed on location, the interior scenes are created on a soundstage.
Interestingly, the production team goes to great lengths to maintain continuity. According to location manager W. Robert ‘Fluffy’ Millar, they use high-resolution photographic backdrops of the area around the real cabin for the interior shots, creating a seamless transition between exterior and interior scenes.
2. Snug Cove and Bowen Island
Snug Cove on Bowen Island plays a significant role in creating the small-town feel of Virgin River. This charming location provides many of the exterior shots that establish the town’s atmosphere. Fans visiting Snug Cove will recognize the main streets, local libraries, and Artisan Lane from various scenes throughout the series. To reach Bowen Island, visitors can take a short ferry ride from Horseshoe Bay in West Vancouver. Once there, you’ll be immersed in the quaint, small-town ambiance that perfectly captures the essence of Virgin River.
3. New Westminster
Doc’s Clinic (Queen’s Park)
Doc Mullins’ clinic, another central location in the show, is filmed at a beautiful Victorian mansion located at 122 First Street in New Westminster. This grand Queen Anne-style home, built in 1889, has a rich history and has been featured in other TV shows such as Supernatural, Jinxed, and Caprica. The exterior of this magnificent building serves as the front of Doc’s clinic, where many significant scenes have been shot throughout the series. While the interior of the clinic is likely a set, the exterior provides a perfect representation of the kind of historic, character-filled building you’d expect to find in a town like Virgin River.
4. Squamish and Surrounding Nature
The natural beauty of Squamish and its surrounding areas plays a crucial role in creating the stunning backdrop for Virgin River. Several key locations in this region have been featured in the show:
Shannon Falls Provincial Park
This park, located just a 10-minute drive from Squamish along the Sea to Sky Highway, is where many of the show’s waterfall scenes are filmed. The park offers hiking trails and viewing platforms, allowing visitors to experience the majestic beauty of the falls up close.
Klahanie Campground
Located in Squamish, about a 45-minute drive north of Vancouver, the Klahanie Campground serves as a filming location for Virgin River. This family-owned and operated campground offers stunning views of landmarks like Howe Sound, Stawamus Chief, and Shannon Falls, making it a perfect representation of the natural beauty surrounding the fictional town.
5. Fraser Foreshore Park
Burnaby Fraser Foreshore Park is another prominent location featured in Virgin River. This scenic riverfront park, located north of the Fraser River, has been used for several outdoor scenes in the show. One notable feature is Paige’s Bakeaway Truck, where characters Paige and Lizzy worked in the series. While the truck itself is not a permanent fixture in the park, visitors can enjoy the beautiful walking trails and picturesque views that have served as the backdrop for various community events in the show, including the Virgin River Community Picnic seen in Season 2, Episode 4.
Comparing Virgin River to Real Northern California
While Virgin River is set in Northern California, specifically in the fictional Humboldt County “up in the Redwoods,” as described by actor Tim Matheson (who plays Doc), the show’s creators chose to film in British Columbia for several reasons. British Columbia’s diverse landscapes offer a perfect stand-in for Northern California, providing the lush forests, mountains, and rivers that create the idyllic setting for Virgin River. The region’s well-established film industry and experienced crew base also make it an attractive filming location. Although the real Northern California certainly has its own unique beauty, British Columbia’s varied terrain and the proximity of its locations to Vancouver make it an ideal choice for creating the fictional world of Virgin River.
Planning Your Virgin River Set-Jetting Adventure
For fans looking to explore the real-life locations of Virgin River, here are some tips to help plan your adventure:
- Best times to visit: The best time to visit British Columbia depends on your preferences. Summer (June to August) offers warm weather and long days, perfect for outdoor activities. Fall (September to November) provides beautiful foliage and fewer crowds. Winter (December to February) is ideal for snow activities, while spring (March to May) offers mild weather and blooming flowers.
- Guided tours vs. self-guided exploration: While there aren’t official Virgin River tours yet, you can easily create your own self-guided tour using the locations mentioned in this guide. Renting a car is recommended for flexibility in exploring the various sites.
- Accommodation options: Vancouver serves as an excellent base for exploring many Virgin River locations. However, consider staying in Squamish or on Bowen Island for a more immersive experience in the show’s atmosphere.
Behind the Scenes: Filming in British Columbia
The choice to film Virgin River in British Columbia was a strategic one. The region’s diverse landscapes, from coastal areas to mountain ranges, provide the perfect backdrop for the show’s setting. Additionally, Vancouver’s thriving film industry offers top-notch production facilities and a skilled workforce, making it an ideal location for TV and film production. The natural beauty of British Columbia enhances the show’s atmosphere, creating a sense of escape and tranquility that resonates with viewers. The lush forests, pristine rivers, and charming small towns of the region perfectly embody the idyllic setting described in Robyn Carr’s novels.
Virgin River filming locations FAQs
No, Virgin River is not a real place. It’s a fictional town set in Northern California for the TV show, but the series is actually filmed in various locations throughout British Columbia, Canada.
Many of the exterior filming locations can be visited, including Jack’s Bar (Watershed Grill), Mel’s cabin (in Murdo Frazer Park), and various locations in Snug Cove on Bowen Island. However, interior scenes are often filmed on soundstages and are not accessible to the public.
While some exterior shots are filmed on location, most interior scenes are filmed on soundstages. For example, the interior of Jack’s Bar and Mel’s cabin are recreated on sets, even though their exteriors are real locations.
A significant portion of Virgin River is filmed on location for exterior shots and establishing scenes. However, many interior scenes and some exterior scenes are filmed in studios or on constructed sets for better control over lighting, sound, and other production elements.
Conclusion
While Virgin River may be a fictional town, the stunning locations that bring it to life are very real and waiting to be explored. From the cozy Watershed Grill that doubles as Jack’s Bar to the picturesque Snug Cove on Bowen Island, British Columbia offers Virgin River fans a chance to immerse themselves in the show’s beautiful settings. Whether you’re planning a dedicated Virgin River tour or simply want to incorporate some of these locations into your British Columbia itinerary, visiting these filming spots offers a unique way to connect with the series and experience the natural beauty that makes Virgin River so captivating. So pack your bags, channel your inner Mel or Jack, and get ready to discover the real-life magic of Virgin River in beautiful British Columbia!
